Former Playboy model Jenny McCarthy recently shared insights into her time at the Playboy Mansion, shedding light on some of the unconventional experiences she encountered during her association with Hugh Hefner’s inner circle.
McCarthy, now 51 years old, reminisced about her early days at the mansion during an appearance on Watch What Happens Live. She first posed for Playboy at the age of 22 in 1993, delving into the era marked by Hefner’s marriage to Kimberley Conrad.
Reflecting on the unique ambiance of the mansion, McCarthy remarked, “I was there when his kids were throwing bacon at me in high chairs. It was the perfect time.” She also discussed being approached for a Playboy scandal TV special, emphasizing that her experience differed from others like Pamela Anderson’s, given the era’s distinctions.
Despite not feeling subjected to the same level of intensity as some fellow Playboy alumni, McCarthy acknowledged the presence of “gross celebrities” engaging in intimate activities at the mansion’s grotto areas during its infamous parties. She humorously described the imbalance in gender ratios at these gatherings, noting, “Unfortunately, for every 20 guys, it was 1 girl. So the guys were just in heaven. But also the guys were over 70 years old. Oh God, they were like, really, really old. It was like Viagra central.”
While McCarthy hinted at potentially sharing amusing anecdotes from her Playboy days in the future, she recalled moments of discomfort, such as women “hunting for Hef in the middle of the night while he was married,” to which she would respond, “What are you doing? Stop it.”
The discussion also touched on McCarthy’s journey to becoming a Playmate, which began with a spontaneous decision after visiting Playboy’s Chicago headquarters. She recounted how a casual inquiry about becoming a Playmate led to a photo shoot opportunity and ultimately her selection as Miss October.
Despite the controversies surrounding Hefner’s legacy, particularly regarding his relationships with former Playmates, McCarthy acknowledged his role in shaping her life positively. She credited him for providing her with life-changing opportunities, including financial stability and support for her career aspirations.
Since Hefner’s passing in 2017 at the age of 91, revelations about his past encounters with Playmates have sparked criticism and led to discussions about the Playboy founder’s conduct. A&E’s Secrets of Playboy, among other platforms, delved into the controversial aspects of Hefner’s life.
In response to the scrutiny surrounding Hefner’s actions, Playboy magazine released a statement ahead of the docuseries’ release in 2022, condemning the alleged “abhorrent actions” while expressing a commitment to “positive change” under new leadership that no longer has ties to the Hefner family.
